ADL survey sees rise in anti-Semitism

New survey shows 35 million Americans have "deeply anti-Semitic views"

(Asif Akbar, via sxc.hu )

November 3, 2011

Thirty-five million Americans hold “deeply anti-Semitic views,” according to a new survey by the Anti-Defamation League. The number, representing 15 percent of Americans, is 3 percent higher than a similar survey found two years ago.

The survey of 1,754 adults found many believe it was “probably true” that Jews have “too much power in the U.S.” and in the business world, wield too much control or influence on Wall Street, and are “more willing to use shady practices.”

Many respondents also agreed that Jews “stick together more than other Americans” and “always like to be at the head of things.” In another historical canard, a quarter of respondents said Jews were "responsible for the death of Christ" -- the so-called "deicide" charge that even the Roman Catholic Church renounced, back in 1965.

In still another, 30 percent of Americans said Jews are “more loyal to Israel than to America” – a fairly consistent level since 1964.

The survey was conducted Oct. 13-23 by Marttila Stratgies of Boston and Washington, D.C. It carries a margin of error of 2.8 percent.

It's different from the ADL's Annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, which log actions rather than attitudes. The 2010 report, released this past October, found a slight increase nationwide: 1,239 incidents, versus 1,211 the previous year. Florida incidents likewise rose slightly, from 90 to 116.

But David Barkey of ADL’s regional office, based in Boca Raton, noted that thoughts often become deeds.

“We’re obviously troubled,” said Barkey, ADL's counsel for six states including Florida. “With attitudes come conduct. We could potentially have more people who engage in anti-Semitic actions.”

Most anti-Semitic views peaked in 2002, then drifted downward until 2009, the report said. Barkey said the rise may come from the economic slump and demographic stresses caused by immigration issues.

“During difficult economic times, people often look for scapegoats," he said. "And Jews have historically been among them.”

In the report's demographic section, 42 percent of Hispanic immigrants percent held anti-Semitic views, versus 20 percent of Hispanics born in the U.S. Barkey took it as evidence that the American system works, in encouraging tolerance. However, 29 percent of African Americans held strongly anti-Semitic views, much higher than whites.

Amid the bad news were a few surprises, in the form of positive views. Large majorities saw Jews as holding a strong faith in God, valuing family life and contributing much to the cultural life of America.

Barkey declined to “sound alarm bells,” counseling a wait-and-see approach. “We just need to do what we’re doing, and what all Americans should be doing: learn to appreciate diversity and live by the Golden Rule.”